Cheryl flies back with no ring in sight

Cheryl Cole flew back to Britain today to face her marriage crisis – again with no wedding ring in sight.

The chart-topping singer arrived at Heathrow from Los Angeles on an Air New Zealand flight this morning.

The star, flanked by two police officers, hid behind large black sunglasses and a trilby hat as she was ushered through a side exit in the arrivals lounge where a number of photographers were waiting.

Cole, whose outfits have fed rumours of a split, was all in black today – with a belted leather jacket, black skinny trousers and black sandals.

Having made her way through the group of photographers, Cole darted into a silver Mercedes which sped away.

She had fled to the US, minus her wedding ring, following allegations that her husband, the England and Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole, had again been unfaithful.

She reportedly texted Cole from LA to say their marriage was over.

She went to California after performing at the Brits last week, taking to the stage despite her heartbreak over reports about her husband sending sex texts to other women.

X Factor judge Cole, 26, has been pictured in LA being comforted by US dancer Derek Hough, 24, whom she met when she recorded her album'3 Words'.

Hough, who appeared in 'Dancing With The Stars', the US version of 'Strictly Come Dancing', co-starred in Cole’s raunchy video for her single 'Parachutes'.

The singer had reportedly ordered her 29-year-old husband to leave their Surrey mansion before she returns to Britain.

She sent the message “Move out. It’s over” from LA early on Sunday, according to The Sun.

A friend told the newspaper: “Cheryl has decided enough is enough and she is going to divorce him. She has told Ashley to get out of the family home because she does not wish to see him.

“She has no desire to hear any more excuses or explanations.”

The singer, who has been tipped to move to the US to be a judge on Simon Cowell’s American version of the 'X Factor', is thought to want to put a statement out about a split by the end of the week so that she can begin to move on.

A spokesman for the Girls Aloud star refused to comment today.

Cole's husband has been out of action from the Chelsea team because of a broken ankle, which has also cast doubt on his chances of making the England squad for this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

He could also face disciplinary action by Chelsea following allegations over his private life.

The Barclays Premier League leaders said on Sunday that the latest issues were a private matter for Cole but that any incidents found to have broken club rules would be dealt with internally.

Cole arrived at her home shortly before 12.30pm. The Mercedes was surrounded by six photographers on motorbikes as it approached the driveway.l